THE DIVINE WORD

Rev. Leon Ngandu has observed that many believers do not fully understand the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass and the homilies that explain them. As a result, they do not participate in Mass actively, intentionally, and prayerfully. Therefore, he recognized a critical need to evangelize God’s people about the prayerful character of the first part of the Mass, the liturgy of the Word of God. He strongly emphasizes that both parts of the Mass—the liturgy of the Word of God and the liturgy of the Eucharist—are deeply connected. We cannot fully engage in one without the other. This means we cannot truly participate with Jesus at the Eucharistic Table if we do not listen to and understand him at the table of the Word of God. The liturgy of the Word is not just a part of the Mass; it is a prayerful encounter with God. Therefore, a deep understanding of the liturgical Scriptures is essential for the faithful to participate reverently in the Mass. This Liturgical Weekly Bible Study Workbook serves as a helpful tool, aiming to assist the faithful in becoming familiar with the liturgical scripture readings before attending each Sunday Mass. Why this Book and What are its Goals? This book is a response to the Second Vatican Council’s call, which clearly states that it is the responsibility of priests to instruct their people to participate in the celebrations of the sacred liturgy in such a way that they become proficient in genuine prayer (Presbyterorum ordinis, 5). The Second Vatican Council affirms that this full and active participation by all the faithful “is the aim to be considered before all else; for it is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit; and therefore pastors of souls must zealously strive to achieve it, by means of the necessary instruction, in all their pastoral work.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14). Because full and active participation in the liturgy of the Mass requires, among other things, a good understanding of the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass, and since many faithful experience serious difficulties in comprehending the liturgical Scriptures, this Book serves as a solution. Pope Francis declares that evangelization demands familiarity with God’s word. Therefore, the study of the Sacred Scriptures must be open to every believer. He then calls on dioceses, parishes, and Catholic associations to undertake a serious and ongoing study of the Bible, encouraging its prayerful individual and communal reading. (Evangelii Gaudium, 175). In response to Pope Francis’ call, this Liturgical Weekly Bible Study program aims to achieve three goals: (1) Participants will understand the lessons that the sacred authors intended to convey at the time and the people for whom they wrote their books (Exegesis). (2) They will know the lessons that our Holy Mother Church aims to teach us today in our time (Pastoral Implications). (3) As per their baptismal dignity, they will be able to meditate, share, and pray with the Sunday Mass Scripture Readings as their response to the Word of God (Lectio Divina). What is The Target Audience of this Book? The target audience for this Bible study program includes all the faithful who attend Sunday Mass. Since many of these Christians may lack academic qualifications, this program is designed to provide straightforward theological analysis rather than academic-level reflections, ensuring that all believers can grasp the essential exegesis and pastoral implications of the Scriptures proclaimed at each Sunday Mass. What Are the Key Characteristics that Make This Book Unique? Several key characteristics set this program apart as unique.  It combines Bible study and Lectio Divina into one cohesive experience.  It helps the faithful familiarize themselves with the Scripture readings before attending Sunday Mass, enabling them to participate actively, reverently, and prayerfully in the Sunday liturgies.  This Bible study introduces participants to the charism, spirituality, and mission of the missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word, commonly known as SVD brothers and priests. Since these SVD missionaries share the same founder, Saint Arnold Janssen, with two female religious congregations, the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) and the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit of the Perpetual Adoration (SSpSAP), participants will also learn about the missions of these two religious congregations.  Each session includes a personal journal section, where participants can record lessons learned from both the Bible study classes and the homilies during Sunday Masses.  This Bible study program is suitable for all parish groups, including Bible study groups, men’s clubs, ladies' auxiliaries or guilds, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Peter Claver, Young Adult Ministry, and more. It is also designed for high school students and families. While primarily intended for group Bible study, individuals can also use it independently. About the Author Rev. Leon Ngandu is a Divine Word Missionary Priest. He has served as a parish priest, high school Bible teacher, and hospital chaplain. Currently, he serves as the pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Jackson, MS, and as the Biblical Apostolate Coordinator for his Religious Congregation, The Society of the Divine Word, working in the United States Southern Province. He is well known for the retreats, sessions, recollections, missions, and revivals he preaches across the country and abroad. Rev. Ngandu has a Master of Theological Studies degree from the University of Dallas, with a concentration in Biblical Theology (2023).